The GIST: From big upsets to sloppy play to a truly bonkers Sunday Night Football tilt, NFL Week 3 left us rethinking everything — and it’s not just because the Las Vegas Raiders are off to a perfect start. That glow up aside, let’s dig into the headlines after a wonky weekend on the gridiron.
🐷 Washington Commanders stun reigning champ Seattle Seahawks: Nobody picked Washington to win 33–31 yesterday, but don’t tell backup quarterback (QB) Marcus Mariota. The veteran tossed three touchdowns in the Commanders’ first win of the season, outshining Seahawks QB Sam Darnold in the latter’s return from injury.
- As for last year’s Super Bowl runners-up, the New England Patriots’ regression continued with yesterday’s 35–6 blowout loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, an L that saw Pats QB Drake Maye toss two more interceptions. Yikes.
😵💫 Buffalo Bills overcome turnovers to beat LA Chargers: Buffalo had a whopping five giveaways yesterday but still pulled out the 24–16 win — due in part to a late endzone interception from Chargers QB Justin Herbert. Timing is everything.
- Speaking of, Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson tossed a gem to WR Zay Flowers with just seconds left, setting up a 56-yard walk-off field goal from Tyler Loop in Baltimore’s 34–31 international win over the Dallas Cowboys. Chills in São Paulo.
❤️🩹 Checking in on the injury report: Minnesota Vikings star wide receiver (WR) Justin Jefferson (ankle), Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane (knee), and Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ QB Baker Mayfield (throwing hand thumb) all headed to the locker room with injuries.
- And the NFL’s most-injured squad, the undefeated San Francisco 49ers, lost two key players: WR Mike Evans and offensive lineman Trent Williams. Say it ain’t so.
➡️ Week 3’s not over yet: Monday Night Football features the Chicago Bears, who are deep in their QB depth chart already, and Philadelphia Eagles, with kickoff slated for 8:15 p.m. ET.
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